James Carmody Lankton (1884-1942) was a character actor who made over 200 films, often playing angry authority figures, and frequently making comedy out of his baldness. He appeared often in support of the Three Stooges and Laurel and Hardy.
Following a period in vaudeville and burlesque shows, Morton made his first film in 1912, while also working as a stage actor in Los Angeles. But his screen career really began after the introduction of sound, when he did a lot of work at the Hal Roach studios.
As well as comedy shorts, Morton made appearances, often uncredited, in features, including Modern Times (1936)Alexander’s Ragtime Band (1938) and The Return of Frank James (1940).
Morton was in four Metro musicals: The Devil’s Brother, Naughty Marietta, A Night at the Opera and The Bohemian Girl.
Shortly before his death, Morton went on tour with The Laurel and Hardy Revue (1940).
